Sharpsburg volunteer dedicated to helping other seniors
Debbie Bobeck was a 35-year-old physical education teacher busy planning her wedding when a brain tumor diagnosis turned her life upside down in 1985.
She had suffered from headaches and sought medical attention.
“I had seen doctors, but they told me to get new glasses or it was stress from a new job,” Bobeck said. “They don’t know what caused it. I just had a lot of headaches.”
When she hit her head on a display while shopping in a store that same year, a CT scan later revealed a non-malignant tumor occupying a fourth of her brain.
Surgical removal was deemed too risky.
Bobeck’s fiancé left her after her diagnosis.
Once an avid softball player and sports enthusiast, Bobeck was left with life-changing realities, no job and an unclear future.
She was forced to resign from teaching to focus on her brain rehabilitation, which included time in a wheelchair.
As she fought her way back to recovery for the next three years, Bobeck discovered the healing elements of visual arts and writing, keeping a journal to chronicle her rehabilitation.
She created her first post-diagnosis art sculpture from her wheelchair, depicting a wheelchair that includes her mantra, “Let There Be No Hindrance To You’re Dreams.”
Bobeck proudly keeps the sculpture on display at the Body & Soul Senior Center in Sharpsburg.
To date, she experiences occasional eye issues and headaches, but otherwise doesn’t let her brain condition keep her from volunteering as an advisory board member at the senior center.
“I’ve learned to compensate. When I stand, I hold onto things and I watch how I turn my head. It’s a weird story,” Bobeck said.
Since recovering, Bobeck has penned hundreds of children’s stories and has exhibited at the Three Rivers Arts Festival and numerous local art shows.
Despite her medical disability, Bobeck has volunteered for almost four years at Body & Soul Senior Center in Sharpsburg. Bobeck is often found in the kitchen, helping to prepare, serve and clean up from the daily free lunch served at 11:30 a.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays are the busiest days at the center, when up to 40 seniors show up for fellowship, food and creative pursuits.
Bobeck volunteers daily, teaching a jewelry-making class and a creative writing workshop.
A fan of mixed media, Bobeck uses magnets in her jewelry creations because it’s easier for senior citizen hands to work with when fastening necklaces.
Never married, Bobeck grew up in Lawrenceville and graduated with a degree in education from Slippery Rock State College, now Slippery Rock University.
Bobeck emphasized the social aspect of the center and considers her volunteering gig essential.
“If you’re not here, they miss you,” Bobek said.
Living across the street from the senior center makes her volunteer commute easy.
“It’s great here. If you don’t keep busy working and doing stuff, you’ll get old,” she said.
She’s penned hundreds of children’s stories, including “Lost … in The Strip” based on her own childhood experience of getting lost in the Strip District.
She moved to Sharpsburg after her father died.
Bobeck also volunteers at Etna’s fire and police departments.
“I stay as busy as I can,” she said.
Gardening is a hobby enjoyed by Bobeck.
“I like cucumbers, but I don’t eat meat. And tomatoes,” she said.
When some folks stole some of her homegrown peppers, Bobeck hatched a planting plan.
“I mixed in really hot peppers with the regular peppers. I got the hottest peppers I could find,” Bobeck said.
Home away from home
Bobeck would like to spread the word on the welcoming environment and social benefits of participating in the center’s offerings.
“It’s a great community and I wish more people would come here so they could feel the camaraderie,” she said. “Why stay home alone?”
Bobeck is one of about a dozen volunteers at the center.
Co-volunteer Audrey Gatto of Sharpsburg said Debbie’s dedication is above and beyond.
“She helps with this kitchen, cleanup, scrubs pots like you wouldn’t believe, does crafts, jewelry, writing. She’s the one that got me to come over and she told me I would have fun, and I am having fun. It really has saved me,” Gatto said.
Gatto lost her husband and sister and credits her volunteering with helping her emotionally cope with loss.
“It gives us something to do and it’s important. Debbie is so into it and we just want everything to be nice here for everybody. She’s caring, compassionate and loving,” Gatto said.
Sharpsburg Mayor Kayla Portis described Debbie as someone always willing to lend a helping hand.
“She’s dedicated to looking out for everyone, especially our vulnerable and elderly neighbors,” Portis said. “She’s truly an invaluable part of the community and we’re fortunate to have such a compassionate resident and volunteer.”
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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